Save Money on Wedding Location

If you're a bride or groom on a small budget, you might have gotten sticker shock at the location rental charges and catering prices of most popular wedding locations. A friend of mine is newly engaged in New York City, and we've been scouting inexpensive wedding locations that won't eat her whole budget. She's determined to save enough for that fabulous wedding dress! Here are some places to look for that might save you money:

* Restaurants~ Talk to your favorite restaurant to see how much it would cost to rent a private room or even the whole place. Look for a restaurant with a pretty back garden that you can set up for the ceremony, and can be used for dancing later. This is an option that works best during non-peak hours, as the restaurant might not want to lose their busy Saturday night crowd.

* Parks~ Many city parks allow you to have a wedding there for a nominal fee. Look for ones that have a covered pation, special details like fountains, or grassy picnic areas.

* Theaters and Performance Venues~ Here in Brooklyn, the majestic Brooklyn Academy of Music is available for rental. You can have your wedding ceremony in a number of locations, and your reception in the grand second-floor lobby. The bonus is that there are steep discounts for Brooklyn residents. Look for similar venues in your town, especially old-fashioned theaters. Getting married on a stage can make you feel like a star!

* Your College~ Remember that charming chapel and alumni house at your college? It's usually very cheap for alumni to have their weddings on campus. If your school is picturesque, why not see how much it would be?

* Creative and Unusual Places~ Whether it's the top of a rollercoaster, an old mill, or the unique place you met, a creative wedding location will instantly give your wedding lots of personality. Because these places aren't used to having weddings, you might be able to snag them for a steal, though you'll often have to bring in extra rentals. (200 people and one bathroom isn't pretty.) I know one couple who got married in a rustic and charming beer brewery, and another who got hitched in the landromat where they met!

Source: About.com: Weddings